Speculative novelist H.G. Wells wrote engaging short fiction dealing with the strange, the unsettling, and the unknown. Here, Ralph Cosham lends his narrative expertise to 5 classic tales. The Strange Orchid concerns a horticulturist who must contend with the macabre appetites of an exotic orchid. The Truth About Pyecraft explains why an overbearing fat man wears lead underwear. The Man Who Could Work Miracles recounts the problems with defying nature. The Purple Pileus deals with a life-altering fungus. Finally, in Aepyornis Island, a man has a special relationship with a prehistoric bird. Download and start listening now!

BK_COMM_000010

Listener Opinions

Seth | 10/4/2013

" Not as good as Wells' novels, but his short stories like this are weird and different enough for some interesting reading. "

Marts (Thinker) | 5/5/2013

" An unusual short story by Wells, much unlike science fiction novels this one is just bordering the horror genre... "

Steve Walker | 7/30/2012

" Anything from H G Wells stands the test of time. Still fresh. A master story teller and most of his stories have been made into movies and radio dramas. "

Laura | 10/17/2011

" A quite original story by Well. Available at LibriVox. "

Seth | 3/8/2010

" Not as good as Wells' novels, but his short stories like this are weird and different enough for some interesting reading.
"

Laura | 10/16/2009

" A quite original story by Well. Available at LibriVox.
"

Steve & Nancy | 8/5/2009

" Anything from H G Wells stands the test of time. Still fresh. A master story teller and most of his stories have been made into movies and radio dramas.
"

Other Titles by H. G. Wells:

About the Author

H. G. Wells (1866–1946), born in Bromley, Kent, England, was apprenticed to a drygoodsman and a druggist before he made his way to the Royal College of Science where he studied biology. Known as the father of science fiction, he was also a prolific writer in other genres, including contemporary novels, history, and social commentary. As a spokesman for progress and peace, his middle period novels (1900–1920) were more realistic and covered lower-middle-class life, suffrage, and the emergence of feminist ideals that pushed against the limits set by male-dominated society.

About the Narrator

Ralph Cosham (1936–2014), a.k.a. Geoffrey Howard, was a British journalist who changed careers to become a narrator and screen and stage actor. He performed in more than one hundred professional theatrical roles, and several of his narrations were named “Audio Best of the Year” by Publishers Weekly. In 2013 he won the coveted Audie Award for his narration of Louise Penny’s The Beautiful Mystery.

[ShoppingCartItemsAddedOnMerge] audiobook(s) were left in your cart from a previous visit, and saved to your account for your convenience. You may view or remove these audiobooks on the shopping cart page.